HOT-BUTTON Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

hot-button 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of hot-button

as in contentious

relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions the new plan raises a number of hot-button issues that are sure to get voters riled up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hot button

2 of 2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of hot-button

Adjective

Here are some hot-button topics heading into the Motown showdown. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 The Texas Education Freedom Account program is arguably the biggest hot-button topic of the 2026-2027 school year. — Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Noun

The case became a hot button issue at the time amid a rash of disappearances and murders of Black women and girls in the Midwest state. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Instead, the panelists raised a familiar array of hot button issues — gas prices, wildfires, home insurance, homelessness, health care, housing shortages and education lapses — and asked for reactions. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hot-button

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button

Adjective

The union planned to conclude a contentious bargaining period with Stellantis on Friday.

— Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026
When the parents are suspected of child abuse, Norway's powerful child protection services gets involved and takes the five kids away, including a baby, and kicks off a long and contentious legal process that takes a toll on Mihai and Lisbet.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of contentious

Noun

The idea of restricting defenses against nuclear attack has long been a third rail in American politics, especially among Republicans.

— Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026
The guild pulling its sponsorship of Urbanworld reflects how AI remains a third rail within the creative community, even as everyone from directors to actors to director-actor-executive hybrids embrace it in different ways.

— Corbin Bolies, Variety, 30 July 2026

Definition of third rail

Adjective

So … when will the LA Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard finally join the Toronto Raptors and put an end to his controversial Clippers tenure?

— Law Murray, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Another user also criticized the company in a Microsoft Learn article, and pointed to Harry Potter author JK Rowling and her controversial views on transgender people.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of controversial

Browse Nearby Words

hot-bloodedness

hot-button

hot button

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hot-button

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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